Deputies Investigate Apopka's Police Chief

Seminole Officers Are Checking Into A Sprinkler System Officers Installed In Chief's Yard

December 15, 1991|By Mark Pankowski, Of The Sentinel Staff

APOPKA — The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is investigating whether the city's police chief improperly allowed officers to install a sprinkler system at his home.

Apopka Police Chief Robert Campbell called for the investigation after he was accused of allowing Officer Robert Manley to call in sick, so Manley could install the sprinklers in August.

In a letter given to City Attorney Frank Kruppenbacher, Lt. Ralph Caldwell complained that it was ''improper, unethical and unlawful'' for Campbell to have officers work at his home.

But the chief said Caldwell was using the sprinkler incident in an attempt to save his job.

Caldwell is facing dismissal after investigators said he used a tire iron to break into a trailer and then lied about the details of what happened, Campbell said.

Campbell and Kruppenbacher said that at a Dec. 6 meeting Caldwell's union representative threatened to tell prosecutors about the accusations unless the chief reinstated the lieutenant and give him back pay.

William Dantschisch, who was representing Caldwell through the Fraternal Order of Police, denied making any such offer.

Even though Campbell said the sprinkler incident was resolved, he asked Apopka Mayor John Land to find an outside agency to investigate. Seminole Sheriff Don Eslinger agreed Wednesday to investigate.

''People of this community have to have faith in the police department,'' Campbell said.

Campbell concedes that four officers came to his house Aug. 3 to install the sprinklers, but he said it was not his idea.

''They (the officers) gave it to me as a house-warming gift,'' Campbell said.

Manley, who was helping install the sprinklers, was scheduled to work that evening, Campbell said. But Manley called in sick to continue helping out.

Campbell said he ordered an internal investigation several days later, when he heard Manley had taken sick leave. The investigation determined that Manley had violated sick-leave policy. Campbell reprimanded Manley and docked him a vacation day.

Caldwell contends that the sprinkler did more damage to him than to Manley.

Shortly after Manley called in

sick, Caldwell said he privately rebuked his fellow officer. A few days later, the chief ordered an investigation of Caldwell that led to his suspension.

Caldwell is convinced he's in trouble because he complained about Manley. Campbell said the two matters are unrelated.

Campbell wasn't sure how long it would take Seminole deputies to complete their investigation.

''The sooner, the better as far as I'm concerned,'' Campbell said. ''This is the first time in 22 years that my ethics have come into question.''